The Philippine Navy on Saturday confirmed the killing of a woman and a child following a clash between soldiers and Abu Sayyaf rebels in Zamboanga City, and said three more minors were also wounded in the fighting in Limaong village.Navy spokesman Rene Medina said marines clashed Friday with rebels and killed a notorious Abu Sayyaf fighter, Abu Nibras, whose group operates in nearby Basilan province. He said villagers reported the presence of the militants and soldiers were immediately sent to area and caught up with the armed group and fighting erupted, adding, the woman and child who were caught in the crossfire were believed to be Abu Nibras’ family.
Medina said, "The conduct of military operations was due to the reported sightings of unidentified armed individuals in the area. A firefight which lasted for 10 minutes, immediately ensued when Abu Nibras detected the presence of the Marines. An adult female and a minor was found dead in the encounter site, while three other minors, who sustained wounds were immediately given first aid and transferred to a medical facility for emergency treatment. The adult female and minors are believed to be the wife and children of the neutralized Abu.”
He said the slain rebel was included in the government’s “terror list” and it was not immediately known whether the Abu Sayyaf is planning to launch attacks or bombings in Zamboanga.